Apple Watch Series 3: What We Love & Hate After 2 Months
After two months of daily use, the Apple Watch Series 3 still impresses with its core fitness tracking and notification features, but its aging hardware and limited storage make it a tough recommendation for most new buyers in 2024. This article breaks down what still works well, what frustrates, and whether it makes sense to buy one now.
Background: Why the Series 3 Still Exists
Apple released the Series 3 in September 2017, and it remained in the lineup until 2022 as the budget Apple Watch. Its longevity comes from the S3 chip, which powers watchOS 8, the last major update it received. Apple still sells refurbished units and many retailers carry old stock, so it appears in searches as a cheap entry point. However, it lacks the newer S4 and later chips, the always-on display, and the electrical heart sensor found on the Series 4 and beyond.
What We Love: Still Solid for Basics
The Series 3 nails the fundamentals that made the Apple Watch popular. Fitness tracking is accurate for step counts, distance, and heart rate during workouts. The activity rings are motivating, and the watch automatically detects walking, running, and cycling. Notifications arrive reliably, and you can reply to texts with quick replies or dictation. The 38mm and 42mm cases are light and comfortable for sleep tracking, though the battery rarely lasts a full 24 hours with sleep tracking enabled.
- Workout tracking: GPS and optical heart rate work well for outdoor runs and walks.
- Notifications: Calls, messages, and app alerts appear instantly.
- Water resistance: It is swim-proof (50 meters) and tracks pool swims.
- Battery life: With light use, it easily lasts a full day (about 18 hours).
What We Hate: The Annoying Limitations
The biggest frustration is storage. The 8GB model (non-cellular) has only about 2.5GB usable for music and apps. After installing watchOS 8, you often get an error saying “Storage Almost Full” when trying to add a few songs or a third-party app. The workaround is to remove unused apps or re-pair the watch, which is tedious. The screen is also small and dim compared to newer models, and it lacks the always-on display, so you must raise your wrist or tap to see the time. The S3 chip feels slow when launching apps or scrolling through lists, and Siri responses can take several seconds.
How It Works: What You Get and What You Don’t
The Series 3 runs watchOS 8, which includes the core Apple Watch experience: watch faces, Activity rings, Workout, Heart Rate, Wallet, Maps, and third-party apps. However, it does not support watchOS 9 or later, so you miss newer features like improved running metrics, medication reminders, and the QWERTY keyboard on the Series 7 and later. It also lacks the ECG app, fall detection, and the blood oxygen sensor. The non-cellular version requires your iPhone to be nearby for calls, messages, and most Siri requests. The cellular version (GPS + Cellular) can work independently, but activating it requires a carrier plan and it drains the battery faster.
How to Choose: Should You Buy a Series 3 in 2024?
If you find a Series 3 for under $100 and you only want basic fitness tracking and notifications, it can be a decent budget pick. But if you can stretch your budget, a used Series 5 or SE is significantly better. The Series 5 has an always-on display, more storage (32GB), and supports watchOS 10. The SE (first or second generation) offers the same core features as the Series 3 but with a faster chip and more storage. Avoid the Series 3 if you plan to store music offline, use many third-party apps, or want the latest watchOS features.
Common Problems and Fixes
The most reported issues are storage full, slow performance, and battery drain after updates. For storage, go to the Watch app on your iPhone, tap General > Storage, and delete unused apps or music. If the watch is very slow, try unpairing and re-pairing it—this often clears cached data. Battery drain is usually caused by background app refresh; disable it for apps you don’t use. If you get the “Storage Almost Full” error even after deleting apps, you may need to erase the watch and set it up as new, which frees up system space.
Comparisons: Series 3 vs. Series 4 vs. SE
The Series 4 (2018) introduced a larger display, the electrical heart sensor, and a faster S4 chip. The SE (2020) is essentially a Series 4 with a few features removed (like ECG and always-on display) but with the S5 chip and more storage. Compared to the Series 3, both are dramatically faster and have more storage (16GB for Series 4, 32GB for SE). The Series 3’s only advantage is price—it is often half the cost of a used SE. But the performance difference is night and day: apps open instantly on the SE, while the Series 3 can take several seconds.
Costs and Value
New old-stock Series 3 units can be found for around $150–$200, but used ones often sell for $50–$100. The cellular version costs more and requires a monthly carrier fee (typically $5–$10). Replacement bands are cheap and widely available. However, the watch is now five years old, and Apple may drop software support soon—watchOS 8 is the last major update, and security patches may stop. That means you might not get bug fixes or new features. In the long run, a used Series 5 or SE offers better value because it will receive watchOS updates for a few more years.
Safety and Health Limitations
The Series 3 includes an optical heart rate sensor that measures your pulse during workouts and throughout the day. It can alert you to high or low heart rates, but it is not a medical device. It does not have the ECG feature (which requires the electrical sensor on Series 4 and later) and cannot detect atrial fibrillation. The heart rate readings are generally accurate for fitness, but they are not suitable for clinical decisions. The watch is water-resistant to 50 meters, so it is safe for swimming, but avoid diving or high-speed water sports. If you have a medical condition, consult a doctor before relying on any wearable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Apple Watch Series 3 still get apps?
Yes, the App Store is available on the watch, but many newer apps require watchOS 9 or later, so you may not be able to install them. Apps that are already installed will continue to work, but they may not receive updates. The storage limit also restricts how many apps you can have.
Does the Series 3 work with the latest iPhone?
It works with iPhone 6s or later, including the iPhone 15 series, as long as they run iOS 15 or later. However, some features like family setup (for kids) are not supported on the Series 3. You also need to pair it with an iPhone; it does not work with Android.
How long does the battery last on the Series 3?
Apple rates it for up to 18 hours of mixed use. In practice, with notifications and a few workouts, it lasts about a full day. With heavy GPS use or cellular streaming, it may drain in 6–8 hours. Battery health degrades over time, and after two years, you may need to charge it twice a day.
Is the Series 3 good for running?
Yes, it has built-in GPS and a heart rate monitor, so you can run without your phone and get accurate distance and pace. The Workout app tracks runs, walks, cycling, and more. However, the screen is small and the watch is slow to start a workout, so it is not ideal for serious athletes.
Can I use Apple Pay on the Series 3?
Yes, the Series 3 supports Apple Pay through the Wallet app. You can add credit or debit cards and pay at contactless terminals. It works even without your iPhone nearby, as long as the watch is on your wrist and has a passcode enabled.
Does the Series 3 have fall detection?
No, fall detection was introduced with the Series 4. The Series 3 does not have the accelerometer and gyroscope capabilities required for that feature. If you are concerned about falls, consider a newer model.
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